Energetic Medicine for Graves' disease

Graves' disease

Classification and external resources

Photo showing the classic finding of proptosisand lid retraction in

Graves' disease.

ICD-10 E05.0

ICD-9 242.0

OMIM 275000

MedlinePlus 000358

eMedicine med/929 ped/899

MeSH D006111

Author - Editor: Professor of Medicine Desire’ Dubounet, D. Sc. L.P.C.C.

Graves' disease (or Basedow-Graves disease) is an autoimmune disease. It most commonly affects the thyroid, frequently causing it to enlarge to twice its size or more (goiter), become overactive, with relatedhyperthyroid symptoms such as increased heartbeat, muscle weakness, disturbed sleep, and irritability. It can also affect the eyes, causing bulging eyes (exophthalmos). It affects other systems of the body, including the skin, heart, circulation and nervous system.

It affects up to 2% of the female population, sometimes appears after childbirth, and occurs 7 to 8 times more often in women than in men.

[1] Genetic factors are a major factor accounting for possibly around

80% of the risk.[2]

Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke is associated with the eye manifestations but not the thyroid manifestations.

Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of symptoms, although thyroid hormone tests may be useful, particularly to monitor treatment.

[3] It is classified as a type II non-cytotoxic hypersensitivity.

Signs and symptoms Main article: Symptoms and signs of Graves' disease

Graves' disease symptoms

The signs and symptoms of Graves' disease virtually all result from the direct and indirect effects of hyperthyroidism, with main exceptions being Graves' ophthalmopathy, goitre, and pretibial myxedema (which are caused by the autoimmune processes of the disease). Symptoms of the resultant hyperthyroidism are mainly insomnia, hand tremor, hyperactivity, hair loss, excessive sweating, shaking hands, itching, heat intolerance, weight lossdespite increased appetite, diarrhea, frequent defecation, palpitations, muscle weakness, and skin warmth and moistness.

[4] Further signs that

may be seen on physical examination are most commonly a diffusely enlarged (usually symmetric), nontender thyroid, lid lag, excessive lacrimation due to Graves' ophthalmopathy, arrhythmias of the heart, such as sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and premature ventricular contractions, andhypertension.

[4] People with hyperthyroidism may experience behavioral and personality changes

including: psychosis, mania, anxiety, agitation, and depression.[5]

Causes

Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins recognizes and binds to the thyrotropin receptor (TSH receptor). It mimics the TSH to that receptor and activates the secretion of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), and the actual TSH level will decrease in the blood plasma. The TSH levels fall because the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid negative feedback loop is working. The result is very high levels of circulating thyroid hormones and the negative feedback regulation will not work for the thyroid gland.

[citation

needed]

Selenium deficiency, Living in a day to day Stress Situation, Anger at the Mother, too much Iodine, nutritional imbalance, Toxicity microorganisms etc are the main reasons to develop Grave’s disease.

The trigger for auto-antibody production is not known. There appears to be a genetic predisposition for Graves' disease, suggesting that some people are more prone than others to develop TSH receptor activating antibodies due to a genetic cause. HLA DR (especially DR3) appears to play a significant role.

[6]

Since Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease which appears suddenly, often quite late in life, it is thought that a viral or bacterial infection may trigger antibodies which cross-react with the human TSH receptor (a phenomenon known as antigenic mimicry, also seen in some cases of type I diabetes).

[citation

needed]

One possible culprit is the bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica (a cousin of Yersinia pestis, the agent of bubonic plague). However, although there is indirect evidence for the structural similarity between the bacteria and the human thyrotropin receptor, direct causative evidence is limited.

[6] Yersinia seems not to

be a major cause of this disease, although it may contribute to the development of thyroid autoimmunity arising for other reasons in genetically susceptible individuals.

[7] It has also been suggested that Y.

enterocoliticainfection is not the cause of auto-immune thyroid disease, but rather is only

an associated condition; with both having a shared inherited susceptibility.[8]

More recently the role for Y. enterocolitica has been disputed.

[9]

Emotional stress and unresolved issues with the mother have been posited as a possible cause of Graves' disease. There are theoretical mechanisms by which stress could cause an aggravation of the autoimmune response that leads to Graves' disease.

Diagnosis

Graves' disease may present clinically with one of the following characteristic signs:

exophthalmos (protuberance of one or both eyes)

fatigue, weight loss with increased appetite, and other symptoms of hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis

rapid heart beats

muscular weakness

The two signs that are truly 'diagnostic' of Graves' disease (i.e., not seen in other hyperthyroid conditions) are exophthalmos and non-pitting edema (pretibial myxedema). Goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland and is of the diffuse type (i.e., spread throughout the gland). Diffuse goitre may be seen with other causes of hyperthyroidism, although Graves' disease is the most common cause of diffuse goitre. A large goitre will be visible to the naked eye, but a small goitre (mild enlargement of the gland) may be detectable only by physical exam. Occasionally, goitre is not clinically detectable but may be seen only with CT or ultrasound examination of the thyroid.

Another sign of Graves' disease is hyperthyroidism, i.e., overproduction of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Normothyroidism is also seen, and occasionally also hypothyroidism, which may assist in causing goitre (though it is not the cause of the Graves' disease). Hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease is confirmed, as with any other cause of hyperthyroidism, by measuring elevated blood levels of free (unbound) T3 and T4.

Other useful laboratory measurements in Graves' disease include thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, usually low in Graves' disease due to negative feedback from the elevated T3 and T4), and protein-bound iodine (elevated). Thyroid-stimulating antibodies may also be detected serologically.

Biopsy to obtain histiological testing is not normally required but may be obtained if thyroidectomy is performed.

Differentiating two common forms of hyperthyroidism such as Graves' disease and Toxic multinodular goiter is important to determine proper treatment. Measuring TSH-receptor antibodies with the h-TBII assay has been proven efficient and was the most practical approach found in one study.

[11]

Eye disease Further information: Graves' ophthalmopathy

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy is one of the most typical symptoms of Graves' disease. It is known by a variety of terms, the most common being Graves' ophthalmopathy. Thyroid eye disease is an inflammatory condition, which affects the orbital contents including the extraocular muscles and orbital fat. It is almost always associated with Graves' disease but may rarely be seen in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, primary hypothyroidism, or thyroid cancer.

The ocular manifestations that are relatively specific to Graves' disease include soft tissue inflammation, proptosis (protrusion of one or both globes of the eyes), corneal exposure, and optic nerve compression. Also seen, if the patient is hyperthyroid, (i.e., has too much thryoid hormone) are more general manifestations, which are due to hyperthyroidism itself and which may be seen in any conditions that cause hyperthyroidism (such as toxic multinodular goitre or even thyroid poisoning). These more general symptoms include lid retraction, lid lag, and a delay in the downward excursion of the upper eyelid, during downward gaze.

It is believed that fibroblasts in the orbital tissues may express the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone receptor (TSHr). This may explain why one autoantibody to the TSHr can cause disease in both the thyroid and the eyes.

[12]

For mild disease - artificial tears, steroids (to reduce chemosis)

For moderate disease - lateral tarsorrhaphy

For severe disease - orbital decompression or retro-orbital radiation

Classification

Mnemonic: "NO SPECS":[13]

Class 0: No signs or symptoms

Class 1: Only signs (limited to upper lid retraction and stare, with or without lid lag)

Class 2: Soft tissue involvement (oedema of conjunctivae and lids, conjunctival injection, etc.)

Class 3: Proptosis

Class 4: Extraocular muscle involvement (usually with diplopia)

Class 5: Corneal involvement (primarily due to lagophthalmos)

Class 6: Sight loss (due to optic nerve involvement)

Pathophysiology

Histopathological image of diffuse hyperplasia of the thyroid gland (clinically presenting as hyperthyroidism)

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder, in which the body produces antibodies to the receptor for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). (Antibodies to thyroglobulin and to the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 may also be produced.)

These antibodies cause hyperthyroidism because they bind to the TSH receptor and chronically stimulate it. The TSH receptor is expressed on the follicular cells of the thyroid gland (the cells that produce thyroid hormone), and the result of chronic stimulation is an abnormally high production of T3 and T4. This in turn causes the clinical symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and the enlargement of the thyroid gland visible as goiter.

The infiltrative exophthalmos that is frequently encountered has been explained by postulating that the thyroid gland and the extraocular muscles share a common antigen which is recognized by the antibodies. Antibodies binding to the extraocular muscles would cause swelling behind the eyeball.

The "orange peel" skin has been explained by the infiltration of antibodies under the skin, causing an inflammatory reaction and subsequent fibrous plaques.

There are 3 types of autoantibodies to the TSH receptor currently recognized:

TSI, Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins: these antibodies (mainly IgG) act as LATS (Long Acting

Thyroid Stimulants), activating the cells in a longer and slower way than TSH, leading to an elevated

production of thyroid hormone.

TGI, Thyroid growth immunoglobulins: these antibodies bind directly to the TSH receptor and have

been implicated in the growth of thyroid follicles.

TBII, Thyrotrophin Binding-Inhibiting Immunoglobulins: these antibodies inhibit the normal union of

TSH with its receptor. Some will actually act as if TSH itself is binding to its receptor, thus inducing

thyroid function. Other types may not stimulate the thyroid gland, but will prevent TSI and TSH from

binding to and stimulating the receptor.

Another effect of hyperthyroidism is bone loss from osteoporosis, caused by an increased excretion of calcium and phosphorus in the urine and stool. The effects can be minimized if the hyperthyroidism is treated early. Thyrotoxicosis can also augment calcium levels in the blood by as much as 25%. This can cause stomach upset, excessive urination, and impaired kidney function.

[14]

Natural Treatment Grave’s disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism (when the thyroid gland is overactive). When confronted with a diagnosis of Grave’s disease, there are four aspects that need to be addressed when planning a nutritional protocol: removal of thyroid toxic substances from the diet, focus on an immune supportive diet, dietary allergy elimination and nutritional supplementation.

Removal of thyroid toxic substances Soy has been found to interfere with proper functioning of the thyroid gland by inhibiting thyroid peroxidase (TPO), catalyzed reactions essential to thyroid hormone synthesis. In one study, daidzein and genistein, two isoflavones found in soy, blocked TPO-catalyzed tyrosine iodination by acting as alternate substrates, yielding mono-, di- and triiodoisoflavones in the presence of an iodide ion. Inhibition of thyroid hormone synthesis can induce goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland due to several factors—an iodine deficiency, malfunction of the gland or by overconsumption of a goitrogen).

Other foods that are considered goitrogens (a thyroid antagonist found in food) include plants of the genus Brassica (red cabbage, turnips, kale, rutabaga, watercress, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli and kohlrabi). These vegetables seem to be more of a concern for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). However, each case must be analyzed individually. Since Brassica vegetables block the uptake of iodine, there is a case in the scientific literature showing that this can have profound negative effects on a patient with Grave’s disease. Brassica plants are particularly goitrogenic (Make Goiters) in their raw state and therefore must be cooked.

Eating these plants raw or lightly wok cooked can help Grave’s disease. Cabbage, especially red cabbage,

turnips, kale, rutabaga, watercress, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli and kohlrabi.

But be careful to not overdose.

Consumption should be based on individual case analysis. Immune support The goal of a diet program for Grave’s disease is to remove all foods that may be triggering the body to create antibodies against parts of the thyroid and subsequently attack its own tissues.

Researchers believe that certain foods that are new to humanity (grain products, dairy products, lentils and beans, and yeasted foods), which have only appeared in the past 40,000 years, are one of the possible causes of autoimmune ailments. Meats, nuts, vegetables and fruits have been eaten for more than 2 million years. Therefore, returning to a diet that is made of meat, nuts and produce may remove one of the main offending causes behind autoimmune problems.

In essence, this is a Paleolithic diet. In a Paleolithic diet, protein makes up about 25-30 percent of calories and is derived almost exclusively from lean meats and fish. This contrasts with the North American diet, which consists of only 10-15 percent protein and is derived from poor quality, high-fat meats, grains, dairy products and legumes. Thus both the amount and sources vary greatly between the two dietary practices. Proteins play a major role in autoimmune disease and thus these new sources of proteins (dairy, grains, legumes), which present the immune system with completely new protein fragments, are very problematic.

Celiac disease is a fine example of a disease driven by specific proteins found in some grains. Dietary allergy elimination some practitioners believe that an underlying mechanism

of autoimmune diseases revolves around the identification and elimination of dietary allergies. Allergy researcher James Braly, M.D. believes that antibodies formed specifically against partially digested food particles form immune complexes when attached together and circulate in the bloodstream, eventually depositing in the tissues where they can cause inflammation, irritation and immune stimulation against the body’s own tissues.

Nutritional supplementation Below is a list of some supplements that are utilized for Graves hyperthyroidism.

Natural Chelated Selenium 100 to 200 mcg/day taken with 1 tablespoon sunflower oil

Add uncooked sunflower oil to some of foods you eat

Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria as directed

EPA/DHA 3,000 mg and higher

L-carnitine 2 to 4 grams per day

Glutamine 2 grams, upon arising GLA 300 2 capsules, with each meal

Flaxseed oil 2 tablespoons

Vitamin C Ester-C (500 mg), 3 times per day

Vitamin E 400 IU

Magnesium 400-800 mg (slow mag may be needed)

Commonly used herbs traditionally used to calm the overactive thyroid include

1. bugleweed (Lycopus virginica), 2. lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and

3. motherwort (Leonuris cardica).

Other supplements may be required based on drug-induced nutrient depletion.

Case history A 35-year-old woman diagnosed with Grave’s disease came in for an office visit. Her main symptoms included constant anxiety, bulging of the eyes, tachycardia, insomnia, diarrhea, gas, bloating and night sweats. Current medications included methimazole, Valium and a beta-blocker. A detailed diet history revealed a high intake of soy foods in the form of tofu, soy based meat analogues, soy protein shakes, soy milk, soy yogurt and soy nuts. Additionally, she would consume two cups of lightly steamed broccoli several times per week. The patient noted gas and bloating after ingesting any carbohydrates.

Her protocol consisted of eliminating thyroid toxic substances from the diet, adopting a Paleolithic diet, and practicing dietary allergy elimination and nutritional supplementation. As part of a holistic protocol, stress reduction is paramount. The Stress Reduction and Relaxation Workbook by Martha Davis, Ph.D., Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, M.S.W., and Matthew McKay, Ph.D. was recommended. Within two weeks of adopting the aforementioned protocol, she notified the office that her follow-up with her endocrinologist resulted in substantial reduction in her goiter (2/3 of its original size). The patient also reported that her gas and bloating diminished and noted an increase in energy and attenuation of anxiety.

References:

Divi RL; Chang HC; Doerge DR, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, Biochem Pharmacol 1997 Nov 15;54 (10):1087-96.

Fukuoka, Japan, Kuroda T; Okamura K; Sato K; Inokuchi K; Mizokami T;Fujishima M, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Angiology 1996 Jul; 47 (7):709-12.

Valentino R; Savastano S; Tommaselli AP; Dorato M; Scarpitta MT; Gigante M; Micillo M; Paparo F; Petrone E; Lombardi G; Troncone R, Horm Res 1999; 51 (3):124-7 -

For SCIO, Indigo, Eductor treatment Place the Harness over the Thyroid

Treat all electro irregularities for 30 minutes

Allopathic Management

Treatment of Graves' disease includes antithyroid drugs which reduce the production of thyroid hormone; radioiodine (radioactive iodine I-131); and thyroidectomy (surgical excision of the gland). As operating on a frankly hyperthyroid patient is dangerous, prior to thyroidectomy preoperative treatment with antithyroid drugs is given to render the patient "euthyroid" (i.e. normothyroid).

Treatment with antithyroid medications must be given for six months to two years to be effective. Even then, upon cessation of the drugs, the hyperthyroid state may recur. Side effects of the antithyroid medications include a potentially fatal reduction in the level of white blood cells. Therapy with radioiodine is the most common treatment in the United States, while antithyroid drugs and/or thyroidectomy are used more often in Europe, Japan, and most of the rest of the world.

β-blockers (such as propranolol) may be used to inhibit the sympathetic nervous system symptoms of tachycardia and nausea until such time as antithyroid treatments start to take effect. Pure beta blockers do not inhibit lid-retraction in the eyes, which is mediated by alpha adrenergic receptors.

Antithyroid drugs

The main antithyroid drugs are carbimazole (in the UK), methimazole (in the US), and propylthiouracil/PTU. These drugs block the binding of iodine and coupling of iodotyrosines. The most dangerous side-effect is agranulocytosis (1/250, more in PTU). Others include granulocytopenia (dose dependent, which improves on cessation of the drug) and aplastic anemia. Patients on these medications should see a doctor if they develop sore throat or fever. The most common side effects are rash and peripheral neuritis. These drugs also cross the placenta and are secreted in breast milk. Lygole is used to block hormone synthesis before surgery.

A randomized control trial testing single dose treatment for Graves' found methimazole achieved euthyroid state more effectively after 12 weeks than did propylthyouracil (77.1% on methimazole 15 mg vs 19.4% in the propylthiouracil 150 mg groups).

[15]

A study has shown no difference in outcome for adding thyroxine to antithyroid medication and continuing thyroxine versus placebo after antithyroid medication withdrawal. However two markers were found that can help predict the risk of recurrence. These two markers are a positive Thyroid Stimulating Hormone receptor antibody (TSHR-Ab) and smoking. A positive TSHR-Ab at the end of antithyroid drug treatment increases the risk of recurrence to 90% (sensitivity 39%, specificity 98%), a negative TSHR-Ab at the end of antithyroid drug treatment is associated with a 78% chance of remaining in remission. Smoking was shown to have an impact independent to a positive TSHR-Ab.

[16]

Radioiodine

Scan of affected thyroid before and after radioiodine therapy.

Radioiodine (radioactive iodine-131) was developed in the early 1940s at the Mallinckrodt General Clinical Research Center. This modality is suitable for most patients, although some prefer to use it mainly for older patients. Indications for radioiodine are: failed medical therapy or surgery and where medical or surgical therapy are contraindicated. Hypothyroidism may be a complication of this therapy, but may be treated with thyroid hormones if it appears. The rationale for radioactive iodine is that it accumulates in the thyroid and irradiates the gland with its beta and gamma radiations, about 90% of the total radiation being emitted by the beta (electron) particles. The most common method of iodine-131 treatment is to administer a specified amount in microcuries per gram of thyroid gland based on palpation or radiodiagnostic imaging of the gland over 24 hours.

[17] Patients who receive the therapy must be

monitored regularly with thyroid blood tests to ensure that they are treated with thyroid hormone before they become symptomatically hypothyroid. For some patients, finding the correct thyroid replacement hormone and the correct dosage may take many years and may be in itself a much more difficult task than is commonly understood.

[citation needed]

Contraindications to RAI are pregnancy (absolute), ophthalmopathy (relative; it can aggravate thyroid eye disease), solitary nodules.

Disadvantages of this treatment are a high incidence of hypothyroidism (up to 80%) requiring eventual thyroid hormone supplementation in the form of a daily pill(s). The radio-iodine treatment acts slowly (over months to years) to destroy the thyroid gland, and Graves' disease-associated hyperthyroidism is

not cured in all persons by radioiodine, but has a relapse rate that depends on the dose of radioiodine which is administered.

Surgery????? Try something natural first, second, thrid and fourth before

Further information: Thyroidectomy

This modality is suitable for young patients and pregnant patients. Indications are: a large goitre (especially when compressing the trachea), suspicious nodules or suspected cancer (to pathologically examine the thyroid) and patients with ophthalmopathy.

Both bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy and the Hartley-Dunhill procedure (hemithyroidectomy on one side and partial lobectomy on other side) are possible.

Advantages are immediate cure and potential removal of carcinoma. Its risks are injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, hypoparathyroidism (due to removal of the parathyroid glands), hematoma (which can be life-threatening if it compresses the trachea) and scarring. Removal of the gland enables complete biopsy to be performed to have definite evidence of cancer anywhere in the thyroid. (Needle biopsies are not so accurate at predicting a benign state of the thyroid). No further treatment of the thyroid is required, unless cancer is detected. Radioiodine uptake study may be done after surgery, to ensure that all remaining (potentially cancerous) thyroid cells (i.e., near the nerves to the vocal chords) are destroyed. Besides this, the only remaining treatment will be levothyroxine, or thyroid replacement pills to be taken for the rest of the patient's life.

Eyes

Mild cases are treated with lubricant eye drops or non steroidal antiinflammatory drops. Severe cases threatening vision (Corneal exposure or Optic Nerve compression) are treated with steroids or orbital decompression. In all cases cessation of smoking is essential. Double vision can be corrected with prism glasses and surgery (the latter only when the process has been stable for a while).

Difficulty closing eyes can be treated with lubricant gel at night, or with tape on the eyes to enable full, deep sleep.

Orbital decompression can be performed to enable bulging eyes to retreat back into the head. Bone is removed from the skull behind the eyes, and space is made for the muscles and fatty tissue to fall back into the skull.

Eyelid surgery can be performed on upper and/or lower eyelids to reverse the effects of Graves' on the eyelids. Eyelid muscles can become tight with Graves, making it impossible to close eyes all the way. Eyelid surgery involves an incision along the natural crease of the eyelid, and a scraping away of the muscle that holds the eyelid open. This makes the muscle weaker, which allows the eyelid to extend over the eyeball more effectively. Eyelid surgery helps reduce or eliminate dry eye symptoms.

Prognosis

If left untreated, more serious complications could result, including birth defects in pregnancy, increased risk of a miscarriage, and in extreme cases, death. Graves disease is often accompanied by an increase in heart rate, which may lead to further heart complications including loss of the normal heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation), which may lead to stroke. If the eyes are proptotic (bulging) enough that the lids do not close completely at night, dryness will occur with a risk of a secondary corneal infection which could lead to blindness. Pressure on the optic nerve behind the globe can lead to visual field defects and vision loss as well.

Epidemiology

The disease occurs most frequently in women (7:1 compared to men). It occurs most often in middle age (most commonly in the third to fifth decades of life), but is not uncommon in adolescents, during pregnancy, during menopause, or in people over age 50. There is a marked family preponderance, which has led to speculation that there may be a genetic component. To date, no clear genetic defect has been found that would point at a monogenic cause.

History

Graves' disease owes its name to the Irish doctor Robert James Graves,[18]

who described a case of goitre with exophthalmos in 1835.

[19] The German Karl Adolph von Basedow independently reported the

same constellation of symptoms in 1840.[20][21]

As a result, on the European Continent, the terms Basedow's syndrome,

[22] Basedow's disease, or Morbus Basedow

[23] are more common than Graves'

disease.[22][24]

Graves' disease[22][23]

has also been called exophthalmic goitre.[23]

Less commonly, it has been known as Parry's disease,[22][23]

Begbie's disease, Flajani's disease, Flajani-Basedow syndrome, and Marsh's disease.

[22] These names for the disease were derived from Caleb

Hillier Parry, James Begbie, Giuseppe Flajani, and Henry Marsh.[22]

Early reports, not widely circulated, of cases of goitre with exophthalmos were published by the Italians Giuseppe Flajina

[25] and Antonio

Giuseppe Testa,[26]

in 1802 and 1810, respectively.[27]

Prior to these, Caleb Hillier Parry,[28]

a notable provincial physician in England of the late 18th century (and a friend of Edward Miller-Gallus),

[29] described a case in 1786. This case was not published until 1825, but still 10 years ahead of

Graves.[30]

However, fair credit for the first description of Graves' disease goes to the 12th century Persian physician Sayyid Ismail al-Jurjani,

[31] who noted the association of goitre and exophthalmos in his

"Thesaurus of the Shah of Khwarazm", the major medical dictionary of its time.[22][32][33]

Medical eponyms are often styled nonpossessively; thus Graves' disease and Graves disease are variant stylings for the same term.

Notable cases

Marty Feldman used his bulging eyes, caused by Graves' disease, to good effect in his work as a comedian.

George H. W. Bush, U.S. president, developed new atrial fibrillation and was diagnosed in 1991 with

hyperthyroidism due to the disease and treated with radioactive iodine. The president's wife Barbara

Bush and their dog also developed the disease about the same time, which in Barb’s case produced

severe infiltrative exopthalmos.[34]

Missy Elliott, American musician[35]

Marty Feldman, British comedian[36]

Diane Finley, Canadian cabinet minister[37]

Sia Furler, Australian singer

Rodney Dangerfield, American comedian and actor

Heino, German musician

Ayaka Iida, Japanese singer[38]

Gail Devers, US Olympic Sprinter and Hurdler

Barbara Leigh, an American former actress and fashion model, now spokeswoman for the National

Graves' Disease Foundation [39]

Christina Rossetti (1830-1894) poet, author

Dame Maggie Smith, English actress.[40]

Natural Graves Disease Treatment Methods

Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune thyroid disorder that can cause symptoms such as increased heart rate, palpitations, weight loss,

increased appetite, and numerous other symptoms. It is characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormone, which is what

leads to these symptoms. Conventional Graves Disease treatment methods consist of anti-thyroid drugs and radioactive iodine

therapy, which while effective in managing the symptoms of this condition, does nothing to address the actual cause of this condition. On the other hand, a natural Graves Disease treatment protocol has the potential to restore one’s health back to normal.

Rather than taking prescription drugs to manage the symptoms or receive harsh treatment methods such as radioactive iodine

therapy, a natural Graves Disease treatment protocol will attempt to get to the underlying cause of your disorder. In fact, more and

more people with Graves’ Disease are choosing natural treatment methods to help cure their condition. Although most

endocrinologists label Graves’ Disease as being incurable, many people can have their health restored to normal by following a natural treatment protocol.

In fact, I was personally diagnosed with Graves’ Disease and successfully used natural treatment methods to restore my health back

to normal. Like many others with this condition, I was skeptical that natural treatment methods would help with my condition. On

the other hand, I knew that anti-thyroid drugs would do nothing more than temporarily manage the symptoms, and wanted to avoid radioactive iodine at all costs. So I followed a natural Graves Disease treatment protocol, and received great results.

The Underlying Cause Of Graves’ Disease IS NOT The Thyroid Gland

Even though Graves’ Disease is considered by many people to be a thyroid condition, the malfunctioning thyroid gland is usually

not the actual cause of this disorder. Remember that this is an autoimmune thyroid disorder, and it is the autoimmune response that

causes the thyroid gland to produce an excess amount of thyroid hormone. Despite this, most endocrinologists don’t pay any attention to the immune system, but instead focus all of their efforts towards the thyroid gland.

While managing the symptoms of Graves’ Disease can be important, ignoring the immune system component of this condition

doesn’t make sense. It is important to understand though that it is not easy to address the compromised immune system. Some

people with Graves’ Disease think that taking an immune system support formula will be enough to strengthen their immune

system, when this usually isn’t the case. The reason for this is because while the autoimmune response is causing the

malfunctioning thyroid gland, other areas of the body frequently cause the weakened immune system, which ultimately leads to the

development of Graves’ Disease.

For example, many people with Graves’ Disease have adrenal glands that are stressed out, which over a period of many months or

years can lead to a weakened immune system. Other areas of the body can also lead to a compromised immune system, which is

why it’s important to look beyond the thyroid gland and the immune system, and take a whole body approach to determine what is

the actual cause of the condition. This is why a person who is thinking about trying a natural Graves Disease treatment protocol should consult with a competent natural endocrine doctor.

The Risks Of Conventional Treatment Methods

Although some people with Graves’ Disease do need to take anti-thyroid drugs to manage the symptoms, one needs to keep in mind

that taking these drugs isn’t without risks. Since these drugs do nothing to address the actual cause of your condition, not

addressing the immune system component can lead to other conditions in the future. In fact, research has shown that people with an

autoimmune thyroid disorder are more likely to develop other autoimmune conditions. A big reason for this is because most endocrinologists don’t do anything to strengthen the immune system.

Radioactive Iodine therapy also doesn’t address the cause of Graves’ Disease. It actually damages the thyroid gland, thus inhibiting

its ability to produce thyroid hormone. This doesn’t sound like much of a cure to me, especially since many people who receive

this harsh treatment method will need to take thyroid hormone for the rest of their lives. And just like taking anti-thyroid drugs, this

treatment method does absolutely nothing to address the compromised immune system, which is why it’s not uncommon for

someone with Graves’ Disease who receives RAI to eventually develop Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, along with other autoimmune conditions.

Can Natural Treatment Methods Really Cure Graves’ Disease?

As for whether natural treatment methods can truly cure Graves’ Disease, my own personal success story with Graves’ Disease

proves that it is possible to restore a person’s health with this disorder. I must admit though that it is not an easy process, as if

anybody is looking for a quick and easy cure for their condition then they will be extremely disappointed. Before beginning a natural Graves Disease treatment protocol, one needs to take responsibility for their own health.

In other words, there isn’t a “magic” supplement that you can take to restore your health back to normal. There are numerous

factors involved, and while taking the right type of nutritional supplements can be beneficial, this alone will not cure your

condition. The first step in restoring your health is to receive an evaluation by a competent natural endocrine doctor to determine what is causing your condition, and to confirm that it is possible to restore your health back to normal.

Even for those people with Graves’ Disease who can’t be cured, natural treatment methods still might be beneficial. The reason for

this is because those people with Graves’ Disease who end up taking radioactive iodine will still have a compromised immune

system, as well as other areas of their body that might be weakened. So even though the person’s symptoms might improve, by no means should they be considered to be in a state of good health.

The Dangers Of Self-Treating Graves’ Disease

While it’s great news that more and more people with Graves’ Disease are seeking natural treatment methods to restore their health,

many people make the mistake of trying to self-treat their condition. While it might seem easy enough to visit your local health

food store and purchase a few supplements that claim to help with thyroid conditions and provide immune system support, one needs to understand that taking nutritional supplements alone is not enough to overcome this serious autoimmune thyroid disorder.

Remember that there are other lifestyle factors that play a role in the development of Graves’ Disease, and of course other factors

can also cause or contribute to this condition, such as environmental toxins and genetics (although research is showing that genetics

doesn’t play as big of a role as many people think, which is good news for anyone considering a natural Graves Disease treatment

protocol). Most people with Graves’ Disease who try to self-treat their condition don’t receive any long term benefits, which is why it’s best to consult with an expert.

Consult With A Natural Endocrine Doctor

So if you have Graves’ Disease and are interested in treating your disorder naturally, then you should consider consulting with a

natural endocrine doctor. Such a doctor will be able to formulate a natural Graves’ Disease treatment protocol that will not only

manage your symptoms, but will also help restore your health back to normal. And if your health can’t be restored to normal, then

a competent doctor will tell you this. Either way, when faced with taking anti-thyroid drugs or receiving radioactive iodine therapy, you really have nothing to lose by giving natural treatment methods a try.

For more information on how natural Graves’ Disease treatment methods can help with your condition, please check out the free

46-page guide entitled “6 Steps On How To Treat Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Through Natural Methods”. To

receive this free guide, simply enter your first name and email address on the right side of this page. You’ll also receive natural

thyroid health tips and updates on any free webinars on natural thyroid health.

Testimonials

Here are some of my patients with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions who have benefited from following a natural treatment protocol.

Since following the natural treatment protocol I have all of the energy that I had before Graves’

Disease, and not being on the meds feel wonderful. Being able to do all of the things that I used to do is fantastic, as we all take so

many things for granted in life, and our health/body is very sensitive so what we feed it is so important, good in good out. Little by

little my blood work came back to the normal range (within 4 to 6 months) but you have to follow the protocol.

Michael Addario Albany, NY Manager

Through my own research, I discovered that there are many side effects to radioactive iodine treatment. However, every visit to

the endocrinologist ended with them stating that this was the only treatment for Graves Disease. In fact, one endocrinologist

yelled at me and stated that I had to have the procedure done by November because of the dangerous side effects of the

medication. I found Dr. Osansky’s website and read all his articles. I was immediately convinced that he could help me because

one of his articles described his symptoms and it seemed as though he was describing my symptoms. I wanted a doctor who had

this experience and could tell me what to expect.

Since starting the natural protocol, I feel full of energy. I look forward to seeing my students instead of dreading each day. My

eating habits have totally changed. I can actually function when I get home. I used to sleep during the two week Christmas holidays,

but this year I actually painted, cleaned and exercised. It has truly been a lifestyle change. My blood tests show tremendous

improvement. In fact the same endocrinologist who yelled at me sent me a letter indicating that I should immediately start lowering the Methimazole.

Norma Lopez Houston, TX School Teacher

I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease, and I began to notice changes in my symptoms pretty quickly

after beginning the natural treatment protocol. After the first month my palpitations and anxiety type symptoms almost disappeared

and I was sleeping better at night. The second month results were even better. I felt so good that I began tapering off my

antidepressant medication that I had been taking for years. After the third month all of the symptoms that I had experienced prior

were no longer present. My energy levels were better than they had been in a year and my thyroid lab results were within the normal range.

Melissa Noi Aurora, Colorado

Accountant

References

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heredity in Graves' disease: a population-based study of two Danish twin cohorts.". The Journal of

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antibodies to enteropathogenicYersinia enterocolitica virulence proteins in relatives of patients with

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2249.2003.02139.x.PMC 1808711. PMID 12699417.

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increased risk of thyroid antibodies: evidence from a Danish twin study". Clin Exp Immunol 146 (1):

32–8. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2006.03183.x. PMC 1809723. PMID 16968395.

10. Falgarone G, Heshmati HM, Cohen R, Reach G (2013). "Mechanisms in endocrinology. Role of

emotional stress in the pathophysiology of Graves' disease". Eur. J. Endocrinol. 168(1): R13–

8. doi:10.1530/EJE-12-0539. PMID 23027804.

11. Wallaschofski H, Kuwert T, Lohmann T (2004). "TSH-receptor autoantibodies - differentiation of

hyperthyroidism between Graves' disease and toxic multinodular goiter". Exp. Clin. Endocrinol.

Diabetes 112 (4): 171–4. doi:10.1055/s-2004-817930. PMID 15127319.

12. "Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. - Thyroid - 17(10):1013". Liebertonline.com. doi:10.1089/thy.2007.0185.

Retrieved 2009-06-03.

13. Cawood T, Moriarty P, O'Shea D (August 2004). "Recent developments in thyroid eye

disease". BMJ 329 (7462): 385–90. doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7462.385. PMC 509348.PMID 15310608.

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Medicinenet.com. 2006-12-07. Retrieved 2013-02-27.

15. Homsanit M, Sriussadaporn S, Vannasaeng S, Peerapatdit T, Nitiyanant W, Vichayanrat A (2001).

"Efficacy of single daily dosage of methimazole vs. propylthiouracil in the induction of

euthyroidism". Clin. Endocrinol. (Oxf) 54 (3): 385–90.doi:10.1046/j.1365-

2265.2001.01239.x. PMID 11298092.

16. Glinoer D, de Nayer P, Bex M (2001). "Effects of l-thyroxine administration, TSH-receptor antibodies

and smoking on the risk of recurrence in Graves' hyperthyroidism treated with antithyroid drugs: a

double-blind prospective randomized study". Eur. J. Endocrinol. 144 (5): 475–

83.doi:10.1530/eje.0.1440475. PMID 11331213.

17. Saha, Gopal B. (2009). Fundamentals of Nuclear Pharmacy(5 ed.). Springer-Verlag New York, LLC.

p. 342.ISBN 0387403604.

18. Mathew Graves at Who Named It?

19. Graves, RJ. New observed affection of the thyroid gland in females. (Clinical lectures.) London

Medical and Surgical Journal (Renshaw), 1835; 7: 516-517. Reprinted in Medical Classics, 1940;5:33-

36.

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Augenhöhle. [Casper's] Wochenschrift für die gesammte Heilkunde, Berlin, 1840, 6: 197-204; 220-

228. Partial English translation in: Ralph Hermon Major (1884–1970): Classic Descriptions of Disease.

Springfield, C. C. Thomas, 1932. 2nd edition, 1939; 3rd edition, 1945.

21. Von Basedow, KA. Die Glotzaugen. [Casper's] Wochenschrift für die gesammte Heilkunde, Berlin,

1848: 769-777.

22. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g Basedow's syndrome or disease at Who Named It? - the history and naming

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23. ^ Jump up to:a b c d Robinson, Victor, Ph.C., M.D. (editor) (1939). "Exophthalmic goiter, Basedow's

disease, Grave's disesase".The Modern Home Physician, A New Encyclopedia of Medical

Knowledge. WM. H. Wise & Company (New York)., pages 82, 294, and 295.

24. Goiter, Diffuse Toxic at eMedicine

25. Flajani, G. Sopra un tumor freddo nell'anterior parte del collo broncocele. (Osservazione LXVII). In

Collezione d'osservazioni e reflessioni di chirurgia. Rome, Michele A Ripa Presso Lino Contedini,

1802;3:270-273.

26. Testa, AG. Delle malattie del cuore, loro cagioni, specie, segni e cura. Bologna, 1810. 2nd edition in

3 volumes, Florence, 1823; Milano 1831; German translation, Halle, 1813.

27. Giuseppe Flajani at Who Named It?

28. Parry, CH. Enlargement of the thyroid gland in connection with enlargement or palpitations of the

heart. Posthumous, in: Collections from the unpublished medical writings of C. H. Parry. London,

1825, pp. 111–129. According to Garrison, Parry first noted the condition in 1786. He briefly reported

it in his Elements of Pathology and Therapeutics, 1815. Reprinted in Medical Classics, 1940, 5: 8-30.

29. Hull G (1998). "Caleb Hillier Parry 1755–1822: a notable provincial physician". Journal of the Royal

Society of Medicine 91 (6): 335–8. PMC 1296785. PMID 9771526.

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Flajina, Parry, Graves or Basedow? Use the term hyperthyreosis instead]".Lakartidningen 80 (32–33):

2902. PMID 6355710.

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Endocrinology and Metabolism 1: 43–45 [45].

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Immunity Ailments-Science Section". Nytimes.com. Retrieved 2013-02-27.

35. Ganz, Caryn (Jun 24, 2011). "Missy Elliott Has Been M.I.A. for a Very Good Reason". Yahoo Music.

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About.com. Retrieved 2009-06-03.

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38. . Oricon. April 3, 2009 絢香はバセドウ病を告白、年内で休業へ

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はバセドウ病を告白、年内で休業へ. Retrieved December 16, 2013. Missing or empty|title= (help)

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Hot Room". Damemaggiedaily.livejournal.com. Retrieved 2013-08-07.

Selenium: The Missing Link for Treating Hypo-Hyper thyroidism? by CHRIS KRESSER

A healthy thyroid is a critical component of one’s overall health, and many people

are struggling with thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, specifically

Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis. In this autoimmune condition, the immune

system attacks the thyroid gland, with the resulting inflammation leading to an

underactive thyroid gland or hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease is the most

common form of hypothyroidism and was the first condition ever to be classified

as an autoimmune disease.

I’ve written extensively about thyroid health, focusing on a multitude of

environmental factors that may affect thyroid function, including gluten, gut

health, stress, excess iodine, and vitamin D deficiency. I’ve also discussed

why dietary changes are always the first step in treating Hashimoto’s, and why

replacement thyroid hormone is often necessary for a successful outcome.

There is yet another nutritional factor that may play a role in thyroid health: selenium. Selenium deficiency is not thought to be common in healthy adults, but is more

likely to be found in those with digestive health issues causing poor absorption of

nutrients, such as Crohn’s or celiac disease, or those with serious inflammation

due to chronic infection. (1, 2) It is thought that selenium deficiency does not

specifically cause illness by itself, but that it makes the body more susceptible to

illnesses caused by other nutritional, biochemical or infectious stresses, due to its

role in immune function. (3) Adequate selenium nutrition supports efficient thyroid

hormone synthesis and metabolism and protects the thyroid gland from damage

from excessive iodine exposure. (4)

Several research studies have demonstrated the benefits of selenium

supplementation in treating autoimmune thyroid conditions. One study found that

selenium supplementation had a significant impact on inflammatory activity in

thyroid-specific autoimmune disease, and reducing inflammation may limit

damage to thyroid tissue. (6) This may be due to the increase in glutathione

peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase activity, as well as the decrease in toxic

concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides which result from

thyroid hormone synthesis. (7)

Another study followed patients for 9 months, and found that selenium

supplementation reduced thyroid peroxidase antibody levels in the blood, even in

selenium sufficient patients. (8) While these studies show promise for the use

of selenium supplementation in preventing thyroid tissue damage, further

research is needed to determine the long-term clinical effects of selenium

treatment on inflammatory autoimmune thyroiditis.

Additionally, selenium is also essential for the conversion of T4 to T3, as

deiodinase enzymes (those enzymes that remove iodine atoms from T4 during

conversion) are selenium-dependent. As I’ve explained before, T3 is the active

form of thyroid hormone, and low T3 can cause hypothyroid symptoms. A

double-blind intervention study found that selenium supplementation in selenium

deficient subjects modulated T4 levels, theoretically by improving peripheral

conversion to T3. (9) In cases of severe selenium deficiency, conversion of

T4 to T3 may be impaired, leading to hypothyroid symptoms. As T3

conversion is not performed by the thyroid, the dependence on selenoproteins for

this conversion demonstrates how significant selenium deficiency could lead to

hypothyroid symptoms.

So the question is, should you start supplementing with selenium if you have hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or low T3 levels? As the answer often is, it depends. These preliminary studies show the positive

effects of selenium supplementation on inflammatory activity in autoimmune

thyroid conditions, but the long term effects of supplementation on thyroid health

are still unknown. And we know that selenium is an essential component of the

enzymes that convert T4 to T3, but whether supplementation will increase serum

T3 levels is unclear.

While it seems that selenium supplementation would be an obvious solution to

poor thyroid function, long term consumption of high doses of selenium can lead

to complications such as gastrointestinal upsets, hair loss, white blotchy nails,

garlic breath odor, fatigue, irritability, and mild nerve damage. (10) Additionally,

supplementing selenium in the context of low iodine status may actually

aggravate hypothyroidism. Mario Renato Iwakura discusses this particular topic

extensively on Paul Jaminet’s Perfect Health Diet blog.

Moreover, a large clinical trial examining the effects of selenium supplementation

on prostate cancer risk in over 35,000 men found that those with normal to high

selenium levels at baseline experienced a significant increase in the risk of

prostate cancer after supplementing with 200 mcg/d of selenium. For more details

on this study, see my article “Important Update on Selenium

Supplementation“.

For now, the best option for most people may be to include selenium-rich

foods in the context of a healthy Paleo diet. Great sources of selenium include:

brazil nuts, crimini mushrooms, cod, shrimp, tuna, halibut, salmon, scallops,

chicken, eggs, shiitake mushrooms, lamb, and turkey. Brazil nuts are particularly

rich in selenium; it only takes one or two per day to improve your selenium status

and boost immune function. (11)

Making sure your selenium intake is optimal may give your immune system

and thyroid the boost it needs to help it function better. It is especially

important for those managing thyroid conditions to ensure their selenium status is

adequate.

Selenium’s Vital Role in Thyroid Hormone Function

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Byron J. Richards, Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist

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This is a very straightforward issue. If you desire your thyroid to work properly and thyroid hormone to work correctly in your body it is vital that you have adequate selenium intake, otherwise your thyroid will operate in a state of stress. This opens the door for all manner of metabolic problems.

While nutrients like iodine and tyrosine are needed for the actual structure of thyroid hormone, selenium is involved with the management of thyroid hormone. In reality a great many nutrients are needed for thyroid hormone production and regulation. However, the case can be made that none is more important than selenium.

Selenium Within the Thyroid Gland

The highest concentrations of selenium in the human body are in the liver, kidneys, and thyroid gland. Within the thyroid gland selenium is essential for the production of thyroid hormone. Cells within your thyroid gland, called thyrocytes produce a protein called thyroglobulin. It is thyroglobulin’s job to connect iodine and tyrosine to form basic thyroid hormone (thyroxine or T4). As it turns out tremendous amounts of free radicals are generated during this process in the form of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). If these free radicals are not deactivated then damage to the thyroid gland occurs and the efficiency of the needed production of thyroid hormone is disrupted.

To deal with this problem your thyrocytes make an antioxidant enzyme called glutathione peroxidase, which requires selenium. Glutathione peroxidase deactivates H2O2 rendering it harmless. Thus, if selenium is low then this antioxidant enzyme is not made at optimal levels and the thyroid is damaged in proportion to the level of selenium deficiency. The thyrocytes also make another selenium dependent enzyme called thioredoxin, which also acts as an antioxidant to clear H2O2.

Selenium is Needed for Thyroid Hormone Regulation

Your thyroid gland’s production of thyroid hormone is certainly important. However, it is only part of a much broader and very complex regulatory scheme that your body uses to determine how to use thyroid hormone so that you have a good energy level and proper metabolic rate. The thyroid hormone your thyroid gland produces, T4, is not biologically active. T4 is activated and deactivated by three enzymes called iodothyronine de-iodinases, types I, II, and III (known as IDI, IDII, and IDIII). All of these enzymes require selenium to function.

IDI converts T4 to T3. T3 is the active thyroid hormone that will be used by your cells to set metabolic rate. This takes place mostly in your liver, and also in your kidneys and muscles – the other places that tend to have higher selenium content when selenium levels are adequate. Once the T3 is produced in these key areas it is transported around your body so that cells can use it.

Your brain has its own system of thyroid hormone activation, which utilizes IDII to convert T4 to T3 on a cell by cell basis. This system is necessary so that your brain can keep working even if you are in a starvation situation and the rest of your body has had to slow down.

The activities of IDI and IDII enable your metabolism to go. The brakes for this system are managed by IDIII, which converts T4 to inactive reverse T3 or it converts T3 to inactive T2. Just as you can’t drive a car without brakes, you can’t run metabolism properly without an efficient way to slow it down. This natural process is governed by IDIII.

The main point of all this is rather plain: a lack of selenium leaves your body in a thyroid funk.

Selenium Deficiency

The preservation of thyroid hormone function is of the utmost importance to survival, as thyroid sets the pace for all cellular activity. When selenium runs low your body has tough choices. The selenium reserves in your thyroid gland and your brain are the last to diminish. For example, under selenium deficiency the activity of thyroid related function can decrease by 99 percent in your liver, kidneys, and muscles while only dropping by 50 percent in your thyroid gland and brain.

Such a scenario would typically be a response to starvation and reminds us of the vital need to keep your brain functioning (so you can hunt and gather food should you see any). In modern times processed food and mass produced food grown without care of the soil (no selenium left in the soil) has led to wide ranging selenium deficiency.

The initial stages of selenium deficiency will simply reduce optimal production of thyroid hormone in the gland as well as how it is used. If deficiency continues then inflammation of the thyroid gland will follow. Eventually this results in thyroid autoimmune problems with elevated autoantibodies against thyroid cells. A 2010 study shows that selenium supplementation in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis helped lower their elevated thyroid autoantibodies. Of course, if free radical damage accumulates even further then cells mutate and cancer occurs. Isn’t it interesting that thyroid cancer is on the rise.

In addition to direct problems for the thyroid gland the lack of selenium impairs metabolic rate, setting off a chain reaction with any other type of health problem as a possible consequence. In other words, when cells can’t make energy properly because metabolic rate is impaired, then whatever those cells were supposed to be doing doesn’t get done at any optimal rate. If you have a genetic weakness, under the condition of poor thyroid function, it is more likely to manifest.

Selenium is also used by your body for immunity and detoxification activities. In conditions of selenium deficiency we have a number of vital body systems crying out for selenium. Those who get sick easily or who

have sensitivity to chemicals typically have low selenium issues as part of their problem, along with all the symptoms of hypothyroid. You can induce a selenium deficiency by working around chemicals, eating foods with too many chemicals on them, or by breathing air with too much pollution in it. A poor health trend in and of itself tends to use up selenium – thus many people with chronic health issues lack selenium. Any of these issues then results in compromised thyroid function on top of other health issues, with the tendency to worsen each other as time goes along. This scenario is all too common in America today and underlies a great deal of the health misery that so many people experience.

How Much Selenium Do You Need?

The dietary supplement intake of selenium is a matter of hot debate because selenium intake has been shown to reduce cancer risk. This simple fact has gotten the public health goons involved, who typically hate vitamins and want to scare people based on their own prejudice for drugs and the profits of drug companies.

Public health officials now think that 55 mcg of selenium will raise a selenium marker in the blood, selenoprotein P, and they consider that a dose of 100 mcg is the most this particular marker needs. Taking additional selenium does not boost it further. That’s very nice, except selenoprotein P has nothing to do with thyroid function or optimal selenium status in your body.

For example, a detailed study of immunity testing doses of 50 mcg and 100 mcg found that both doses helped, especially the higher dose, but neither dose was able to optimize immune function in healthy people. The researchers suggested that higher doses of selenium would need to be tested to determine the optimal dose. Another human study showed that 200 mcg of selenium produced a better immune response than 50 mcg or 100 mcg.

A recent human study with doses of 100 mcg, 200 mcg, and 300 mcg of selenium found that as the dose increased there was a better ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol.

A study of high dose selenium, 1,000 mcg per day and 1,500 mcg per day, in sepsis patients found that the dose was highly effective at boosting antioxidant enzymes that clear toxins. Of course, sepsis is a condition of high toxicity requiring, in theory, higher antioxidant intake, including selenium. And this dose was only for several weeks.

A cancer prevention study showed that 200 mcg of selenium reduced cancer by 25 percent, whereas 400 mcg of selenium did not, even though blood levels of selenium were higher.

Collectively, this data tends to indicate that a dose of selenium ranging from 200 mcg to 300 mcg per day may be best for optimizing immune function. However, even the data supporting this does not take into account an individual’s pre-existing health issues that may be decreasing selenium.

Even though public health officials like the idea of a range of 50 mcg – 100 mcg per day, with a safe upper limit of 400 mcg per day, they freely admit in their data that human studies with 1,600 mcg or 3,200 mcg per day did not have adverse or toxic side effects. One study in men withprostate cancer found that a dose of 800 mcg seemed to have adverse effects on PSA dynamics.

None of this safety data is trying to figure out a dose that optimizes thyroid function. This is quite unfortunate when you consider the millions of people with the problem and the potential dire health consequences for not optimizing selenium status. In the previously mentioned study showing selenium helped lower thyroid autoantibodies the dose was 80 mcg over a 12 month period.

In my clinical experience with thousands of people I find that selenium in the 200 mcg to 300 mcg range is adequate for most to improve thyroid function in a noticeable way, although some respond very well to double that dose.

Scientists readily admit that there is no consensus on the dose of selenium required to optimize any person’s thyroid function. The only thing they do agree on is that optimizing selenium intake “not only aids preservation of general health but also contributes substantially to the prevention of thyroid disease.”

5 Herbs To Help Overcome Your Thyroid Condition Published January 15, 2011

Updated August 24, 2012

Many people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions are interested to know which herbs can help restore their health back to normal. Of course there isn’t a single herb or nutritional supplement that can accomplish this on its own. However, when used in combination with other factors, such as eating well, some herbs can be extremely helpful not only in managing the symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, but they can also be an important part of restoring someone’s health back to normal.

For example, when I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease, which is an autoimmune hyperthyroid condition, I used multiple herbs as part of my natural thyroid treatment protocol. Some of these herbs I’ll be discussing below. While using these herbs alone wouldn’t have restored my health back to normal, combining them with other changes I made in my lifestyle did help to contribute to my successful recovery from Graves’ Disease.

As you’ll soon find out, not all of these herbs are necessary to take. Some of these herbs are beneficial for hyperthyroidism, while others should be taken when someone has a hypothyroid condition. Some of these herbs can be taken with either condition, while others are contraindicated for certain conditions. For example, one of the herbs I took while on a natural thyroid treatment protocol was Bugleweed, which can be extremely helpful for hyperthyroid conditions, but is contraindicated for hypothyroidism. Similarly, the herb Bladderwrack can be taken by many people who have a hypothyroid condition, but is contraindicated for someone who has hyperthyroidism.

I don’t recommend that anyone just randomly begin taking these herbs, but instead they should consult with a competent natural healthcare professional first. After all, different people will require different herbs, as well as different dosages. And while these herbs are natural, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t risks involved when taking them, which is yet another reason not to self-treat your thyroid condition. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the following herbs that might be able to help restore your health back to normal:

1. Eleuthero. This herb is one that people with both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can take (including both

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease). The herb doesn’t directly affect the thyroid gland, but instead helps the body to adapt to stressful situations, and also helps with the health of the immune system. For people with adrenal problems, which is common in people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, this is a very beneficial herb. This is one of the herbs I took when I was initially diagnosed with Graves’ Disease, and many people who have problems with their adrenal glands can benefit from taking this herb.

2. Echinacea. This is very popular herb, and is responsible for enhancing the immune system function. People with

Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can of course benefit from this herb, since it will help with their immune system health. However, one needs to realize that the quality of the herb you take is important. This of course is the case with all of these herbs I’m discussing. But the reason why I brought this up now is because Echinacea can be purchased in many different places, including health food stores, nutrition stores, retail stores such as Wal-Mart and Target, as well as most pharmacies. So it’s important to make sure that you purchase a high quality product in order to receive optimal results.

Some people are concerned about Echinacea “boosting” the immune system and thus exacerbating the autoimmune response. Kerry Bone, who is a well known herbalist with over 20 years of experience, gives Echinacea root to most of his patients with autoimmune conditions, and rarely encounters a problem. I don’t give this herb to every person with Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, but I have given Echinacea root to many people, and also took this herb without incidence when I was following a natural treatment protocol for my autoimmune thyroid condition. So while Echinacea might not be for everyone, it sometimes can be an important component of a natural treatment protocol.

3. Bugleweed. This is my favorite herb for hyperthyroidism, as when I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease this herb did a

great job to help manage the hyperthyroid symptoms I was experiencing. Once again, this isn’t to suggest that everyone with a hyperthyroid condition should take Bugleweed, as you do want to consult with a holistic doctor first. But as someone who decided not to take any anti-thyroid drugs or beta blockers, I will admit that I might have not been able to avoid taking prescription drugs if it wasn’t for this herb. I also consult with people who are taking Methimazole or PTU and want to try weaning off the medication and instead take the Bugleweed, which essentially is an “antithyroid herb”. As mentioned earlier, this herb is contraindicated for people who have hypothyroidism, and also shouldn’t be taken by those women with hyperthyroidism who are pregnant or lactating.

4. Bladderwrack. This herb is for people with hypothyroidism. Taking this herb, along with other herbs and supplements,

plus incorporating other lifestyle factors, can help restore the health of someone who has hypothyroidism. This of course can mean that someone who has been taking synthetic or natural thyroid hormone may eventually be able to stop taking these drugs with the help of this herb (under the supervision of their medical doctor of course). In fact, Dr. Janet Lang, who is the founder of Restorative Endocrinology, talks about this herb as being “liquid magic” for people with hypothyroid conditions. When combined with the herb Ashwaganda this herb can stimulate the production of thyroid hormone in some people with hypothyroid conditions.

This herb does include iodine, and as a result, some people with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis don’t do well when taking this herb. However, since the amount of iodine is low, most people with Hashimoto’s don’t have a problem taking this herb, although some will still choose to avoid it out of fear that it will exacerbate their condition. I don’t consider this an “essential” herb for someone with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, but for someone who wants to follow a natural treatment protocol and isn’t taking synthetic or natural thyroid hormone, taking Bladderwrack can be very helpful. This herb shouldn’t be taken by those with hyperthyroidism, and is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

5. Ashwagandha. Yet another herb for people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions that has many different

benefits. And that’s one of the great things about most herbs, as they usually benefit the body in many different ways if used appropriately. For example, Ashwagandha helps the body to cope with stress, and is also beneficial to the immune system. It also has some other benefits as well, as it has some anti-inflammatory effects, and is also used as a tonic for children.

In addition to these five wonderful herbs, I wanted to briefly mention two additional “herbal complexes” I took when I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease. These complexes are manufactured by the company MediHerb, and can be taken by either people with hypothyroidism, as well as those with a hyperthyroid condition.

1. Adrenal Complex. As the name implies, “Adrenal Complex” is a great product for people who have adrenal

problems…specifically low cortisol levels. Licorice is the main herb in this complex that helps with the low cortisol levels, although this herb has other benefits as well. Rehmannia is another herb in this complex, and this offers both adrenal and immune system support. I took both Eleuthero and Adrenal Complex to help strengthen my adrenal glands. Of course just taking these two herbs alone wasn’t responsible for strengthening my adrenals. Eating well, getting sufficient sleep, and doing a good job of managing stress are all important lifestyle factors when it comes to adrenal gland health.

2. Rehmannia Complex. This is another complex which consists of numerous herbs, and just like some of the other herbs

I mentioned in this article, this complex also helps with the immune system, as well as offering some support to the adrenal glands and liver. In addition, another benefit is that it helps to remove toxins. Perhaps the most important herb this complex includes is Hemidesmus, which is an herb which helps to suppress the autoimmune response, which of course is important with both Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

In summary, using one or more of these herbs can help restore the health of someone who is following a natural thyroid treatment protocol. They do carry some risks when not used appropriately, and there are contraindications as well, which is why it’s best not to self-treat your condition, but instead it’s wise to consult with a competent natural endocrine doctor. Doing this is the best approach if you want to receive optimal results. There are of course other herbs which might be beneficial for thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, but these are just some of the more effective ones.